Libya: At least 14 dead in "day of rage"

Published February 17th, 2011 - 14:44 GMT

Libyan protesters seeking to oust leader Moammar Gadhafi defied a crackdown and took to the streets in four cities Thursday.

Libyan protesters seeking to oust leader Moammar Gadhafi defied a crackdown and took to the streets in four cities Thursday on what was dubbed a "day of rage." There are unconfirmed reports that at least 14 demonstrators have been killed in clashes with pro-government forces.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said Libyan internal security forces have detained at least 14 people. Hundreds of pro-government demonstrators also rallied in the capital, Tripoli, blocking traffic in some areas, witnesses said, according to the AP.

An opposition website and an anti-Gadhafi activist said unrest broke out during marches in four Libyan cities Thursday. Organizers were using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter to call for nationwide demonstrations.

The official news agency JANA also reported that thousands of Gadhafi's supporters planned a rally later Thursday in Tripoli as well as demonstrations in other cities to express "eternal unity with the brother leader of the revolution.". Opposition website Libya Al-Youm said there was a demonstration Thursday in Benghazi, Libya's second-Largest city. Switzerland-based Libyan activist Fathi al-Warfali said 11 protesters were killed in Beyida on Wednesday night, and scores were wounded.